As Earth Day comes up, it's a great opportunity to start thinking about how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in high efficiency HVAC systems not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Schedule a home energy audit
The best way to start your journey to an eco-friendly HVAC system is to book a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Proper insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while also addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, preventing heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, most homes could use more insulation. Incorporating additional insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can significantly boost energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Damage to the home’s ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and prevent any more wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork in spaces such as attics or crawl spaces helps prevent heat transfer into them. Sealing off these inefficient parts of your home is a great example of how a little effort can go a long way.
4. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should arrange for routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can carry out inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By tackling repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean,we can help support your HVAC system and may even increase its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings provide homeowners more precise control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning separates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the actual wear and tear on the HVAC system.
7. Think About Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while using less energy.
Age Heating & Cooling is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Age Heating & Cooling at 208-603-2210 to schedule a free consultation for eco-friendly home upgrades.
By implementing these HVAC tips, you can reduce not only your environmental impact but also enjoy a cleaner and more efficient home. We’re proud to make the most of this year’s Earth Day creating a greener future, one household at a time.
